For Disabled Travelers - Airport Screening Procedures

"TSA's Checkpoint Security Screening Procedures for persons with
disabilities, medical conditions, and the mature have not changed as a result
of the current threat situation."

From NVRC News, Cheryl Heppner, Editor, August 11, 2006

The following information is from Sandra Cammaroto of the
Transportation Security Administration, who is Director of the Office of Screening
of Persons with Disabilities

Travelers with Disabilities, Medical Conditions, and the Mature

Over the last 24 hours; British authorities have arrested a significant
number of extremists engaged in a substantial plot to destroy multiple
passenger aircraft flying from the United Kingdom to the United States.

DHS is taking immediate steps to increase security measures in the
aviation sector in coordination with heightened security precautions in the
United Kingdom. The nation's threat level has been raised to Severe, or
Red, for commercial flights originating in the United Kingdom bound for
the United States. To defend further against any remaining threat from
this plot, the threat level has been raised to High, or Orange, for all
commercial aviation operating in or destined for the United States.

The intent of this message is to alert potential air travelers with
disabilities, medical conditions, and the mature of the elevated threat
level, encourage them to take proactive and necessary steps to alleviate
potential adverse impacts, and provide connections to further
information and assistance.

The following quotes are extracted from DHS Secretary Michael
Chertoff's press conference earlier yesterday:

"In light of the nature of the liquid explosive devices which were
designed by the plotters, we are temporarily banning all liquids in
carry-ons in aircraft cabins. That means no liquids or gels will be allowed
in carry-on baggage.

Any liquids or gels have to be checked have to be checked as part of
baggage to go into the hold. There will be exceptions for baby formula
and medicines, but travelers must be prepared to present these items
for inspection at the checkpoint, and that will allow us to take a look
at them and make sure that they're safe to fly."

"Today, air traffic is safe. And air traffic will remain safe
precisely because of the measures we are adopting today. People should be
patient, but they need not cancel their travel plans. They simply need to
be aware there may be some delays and they may want to check with
their carriers to see whether they ought to adjust their arrival times at
airports."

Overall guidance to travelers with disabilities is located on the web
site of the Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security
Administration at: http://www.tsa.gov. This guidance includes
disability/medical conditions specific tips.

TSA's Checkpoint Security Screening Procedures for persons with
disabilities, medical conditions, and the mature have not changed as a result
of the current threat situation.

All disability-related equipment, aids, and devices continued to be
allowed through security checkpoints once cleared through screening.

Items permitted beyond the checkpoint include: wheelchairs; scooters;
crutches; canes; walkers; prosthetic devices; casts; support braces;
support appliances; service animals; any and all diabetes related
medication, equipment, and supplies; orthopedic shoes; exterior medical
devices; assistive/adaptive equipment; augmentation devices; ostomy
supplies; medications and associated supplies; hearing aids; cochlear implants;
tools for wheelchair disassembly/reassembly; personal supplemental
oxygen; CPAP machines; respirators; CO2 personal oxygen concentrators; baby
apnea monitors; Braille note takers; slate and stylus; tools for
prosthetic devices; and any other disability-related equipment.

Current restrictions prohibit liquids, gels, or lotions (except baby
formula/milk and medications) through the security screening checkpoints
and onboard the aircraft. This includes common items, such as, but not
limited to: beverages, perfume/cologne, shampoo, shaving cream, suntan
lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair gels, saline solution. Such items are
recommended for transport in checked baggage.

It is also recommended that those with medications only take the amount
of medication essential to sustain them until arrival at their final
destination. Additional medication can be placed in checked baggage or
mailed to their final destination. This will help speed up the
screening process and avoid additional delays.

Travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, and the mature may
want to consider the following:

Arriving at the airport well in advance, 2-3 hours prior to flight
Following all published rules on carry-on items and medications Viewing TSA
website tips for persons with disabilities and medical conditions and
other TSA screening advisements located on TSAs website under "Our
Travelers"

Bringing documentation on medications, devices, medical condition where
possible. This is not a requirement and will not exempt a passenger
from the screening process.

Packing medications in a clear bag separate from other carry-on
items/bags
Exercising patience with the lines, delays, and stringent screening
procedures
For additional information on transportation security:

TSA Website
http://www.tsa.gov

TSA Contact Center 1-866-289-9673
E-mail: tsa-contactcenter@dhs.gov

For concerns about potential rights violations:

TSA Office of Civil Rights 1-877-336-4872, TTY 800-877-8339
E-mail: tsa-contactcenter@dhs.gov

For information about overall air travel accessibility:
DOT Air Carrier Access Hotline 1-800-778-4838
http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov
airconsumer@ost.dot.gov